A retrofitting project for a much-loved South West brewer involving the conversion of their existing storage facility into a showcase rapid batch brewery, with a production capacity of up to 50,000 brewers’ barrel per year.
Heavy loads are the order of the day for breweries. This project included the installation of twelve fermentation vessels of over 25 tonnes each, a brewhouse containing large custom-built processing vessels and two massive external grain silos. With a huge investment in state of the art equipment by the client it was vital that the structure did its job without impeding the processing plant.
”Proactive, collaborative, good attitude and strong work ethic
Design manager
SOLUTION
Initial concrete core sampling allowed the existing floor slabs to be checked for the vessels’ heavy point loads and this informed the design of strengthening works. Working closely with the client, the architect and the brewery system specialist was vital as the design developed. To accommodate the brewhouse a large section of the existing first floor was removed to make way for full-height processing vessels. The client was keen to offer public brewery tours and presentation was therefore of the essence; the brewhouse was finished with a dramatic fully glazed façade putting the heart of the brewing process on display. Visitors to the site will be struck by the enormous size of the external grain silos and these required reinforced ground beam foundations to position them immediately adjacent to the existing building. On the completion of this complex and successful project it was definitely time for a well-earned pint!
